Is this popular in the US? http://64.246.11.82/images/0/015_Barstow_CA_-_031505_-_Dave_Toussaint.jpg.88214.jpg
A local short line to me, the Ohio Central uses a couple of them. Here is one: I think they are used mostly for switching (like in the OC's case) or working yards.
Yes, these are used in yard work to create more traction. The slugs are non powered and usually loaded with ballast for weight. Now don't tell anyone, but Ztrack has been in talks with FR to make us a slug we can offer to subscribers. The photo Jurg shared is one we have proposed. If anyone nows of a HO or N scale version of a four axle slug, please let me know. It would help Harad with the design and planning. Rob
hi jurg, the question you asked was "are they popular". many railroads used them (including the Rio Grande, especially at the hump yard in Grand Junction) because they were effective. instead of coupling an otherwise useful loco (that could be used in pool service) an older loco could be stripped down to essentials (nothing more than a weighted set of traction motors) to help move the heavy load of switchers. the traction motors of the slug unit were usually powered by the generator from the lead locomotive. so you get more pull without all the un-necessary engines/fans/cab/fuel/etc that a second loco would contain. it was also a good way to use leftover parts from a worn-out or wrecked locomotive. if a second unit had to regularly go on the road, but the cab and controls weren't really needed, it was then made into a "B" unit. many of Rio Grande's GP-35 had their cab controls removed to become "B" units. slugs were almost exclusively for yard work. dave f.
Don't forget CSX GP30 slugs. They look like a regular GP30, but all the side doors are removed and replaced with large sheet metal. A good reason to have an old locomotive on a modern layout: http://www.railfan.net/railpix/railfan/newlondon09-08-01/img_2453.jpg http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=134100 http://forums.railfan.net/Images/CSX_GP_30.jpg http://forums.railfan.net/Images/WestVirginia/CSX_GP30_slug_2216.jpg http://www.alabamarailfan.com/visitors/sboberek/csx_2217.jpg http://www.northeast.railfan.net/slugs.html
There are lots of slugs, but since almost all are rebuilds, it's uncommon for two roads to use the same type.
I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone other than CSX use road slugs with a full-hood and cab. Most of theirs seems to be rebuilt GP30's and GP35's, usually mated with GP38-2's and GP40's. Winchester & Western has/is rebuilding some of their slugs (ex-Conrail) and adding cabs to them. I've heard comments from CSX engineers that they like riding in the slug cabs because there is much less vibration and noise. NS roadslugs have a hump for the dynamic brakes but no cab. It is probably worth noting here that yard slugs and road slugs are different beasts for different uses. Randy
Try the Appalachian & Ohio: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=162275 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=154973 GP35 slugs with rebuilt GP40 mothers, like on CSX. Or how about the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis? http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=124874 A GP35 slug that usually runs with their "SD40-2"s, which are rebuilds from an SD45T-2 and an SD45. Or the St. Lawrence & Atlantic? http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=149763 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=144489 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=124444 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=79493 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=48716 I'm not sure what type of Geep their RM-1 slugs are made from. They run with GP40s, GP40-2s or rebuilt GP40Xs.
Thanks for the other roads using slugs. I knew if I said it I would get an answer. ;-) Isn't the A&O just a subsidiary of CSX now that they forced WATCO out? I wonder if those are actually ex-CSX units. They sure paint them nicer than CSX does though. ;-) Thanks, Randy
Bringing this topic back from the dead... I don't know if you are still interested in building slugs, but I build them in HO scale and I could provide some info needed to get things rolling. These would be for Ex Santa Fe now BNSF 4 and 6 axle slugs.
FR needs a HO or N model to do a Z slug? I expect a bit more, copying other manufactures means copying their errors too. So, Harald, I expect something designed from scratch! At all should be not too hard to make one, lots of prototypes around. The "cut down" yard slugs are a bit harder to do if you seek a powered unit. The road slugs are mostly "normal" looking units, prime mover=diesel+generator removed, fans and grills covered.
Around Atlanta you will see lots of CSX slugs out and about, both the "chopped" and regular versions. You will find them out on the road on locals as well as in yards. Jamie
Yes, I still want to do a slug with FR. I sent him numerous photos of slugs and found a version that uses the same trucks he has on the F40. The problem is that FR really wants a HO or N sample to use for comparison. I have had a difficult time finding one. Likely we could use scale drawings. I am finding it is much easier to find data on locomotives than slugs! The biggest issue is that these are not standard units. They are build on spare chassis and can differ in size and shape based on the road names. I found slugs for used by the BNSF, CSX and NS that seemed very comparable in size and shape and was thinking this could be the way to go. If anyone has any good source for slug data, please let me know. I still want to do this project. One question though. My thought was to keep these powered to lower costs. I am sure FR could power them, but the cost would be high since a new chassis would have to be developed. Would anyone be interested in a powered one? Rob
Hi Rob, propper slug drawings will be a big problem, the slugs were just converted "scrap" in yard work shops. FR using the F40PH chassis is not possible, I don't think his 10mm can motor "wide body" passenger loco chassis can be used. A hood chassis ala GP7, GP9,GP35 and later SD40-2 is the way to go. Look at www.railroadpicturearchive.net and search for slugs, lots of pictures.
I don't see a reason for it to be powered. Un-less there are people here that are switching huge strings of cars, a simple GP should do the job. Plus making it powered would just slow down the project and make it more complex. I've got files on top of files that just need to be dusted off. I'll do some work here, gather up info and scan the files. Just PM me an e-mail address I can send you an attachment. I might be willing to send a HO scale model in return for something. Keeping in mind it's highly detailed and sells for over $400. It needs to make the trip there and back in one piece.
ZTECH makes a great little switcher engine - the SW-1--A model of her sister- "SLUG" ? would be very nice. I believe the consist was called COW and CALF. These units LOOK different but it's just an engine without the cab. A lot of the work is already completed! Any takers.. Fred
